TEENT FISHING. 25 



will see it is necessary that the line should be able to run off 

 the reel with the greatest freedom, and that there should be 

 a minimum of friction. Indeed, it not unfrequently happens 

 when throwing out a long line, or a heavy tackle, that the 

 reel runs with too great a freedom. It spins round quicker 

 than the line can run through the rings, and if this happens, 

 a sad tangle will be the result. This difficulty can easily be 

 obviated by a slight pressure on the edge of the reel, with 

 the forefinger of the hand that grasps the rod close to the 

 reel. A little practice will soon make one master of this 

 operation. It is said that the whole system is more difficult 

 than the one in ordinary use on the Thames ; but then it is 

 very much neater, and more deadly when once acquired. 



The line that I should recommend for general bottom 

 fishing would be one of medium strength and thickness ; the 

 very fine roach and dace lines would be scarcely strong 

 enough for barbel, chub, or bream. The next gauge would 

 be the best. I like one of "Walter Well's (of Nottingham) 

 chub lines ; they are fine but strong, and are capable of 

 killing barbel, chub, or bream, while they are not too coarse 

 for roach and dace, and are very reasonable in price. I only 

 gave Is. 3d. for mine, and it is eighty yards long. Be careful 

 when purchasing these lines to examine them closely ; for, 

 remember, there are lines and lines ; buy those that feel 

 nice and soft to the fingers, and are not too tightly twisted. 

 Don't have those that feel sharply rough to the fingers and 

 are twisted very tight, for they rot with the action of the 

 water a deal sooner than the others; and remember also 

 when you come home from fishing, and your line is very wet, 

 to dry it carefully and gradually in front of the fire. A piece 

 of cardboard, about a foot square, is the best for this. Un- 

 wind as much line from the reel as is wet, and wrap it 

 around the cardboard, and set it upright on something, about 

 a yard from the fire, and turn it about until it is dry on both 



